Life Update

"I’m gonna miss that smile
I’m gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
I’d do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven
‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be
I’m not crying 'cause I feel so sorry for you
I’m crying for me" -Toby Keith, Crying for Me

Well...so much has gone on since I last posted. I hate that I haven't been keeping up with my blog as much as I'd like but such as life. But so far this year has been extremely busy, fast & furious. I don't think we have been home but 2 or 3 weekends since December. I miss our weekends at home. Seems like lately all we have done is go, go, go and go for reasons I wish we didn't - like saying goodbye to someone when you're not ready to say goodbye.

First of January, we dealt with the death of my dear cousin, John. It was completely unexpected and definitely a painful loss for so many. John left behind my cousin, his wife Debra and three boys all under the age of 10. It was so heart-breaking and is still very painful. But I must remind myself that God's plans are far more greater than ours and things of this world are not for us to understand. Mid-Janurary, we spent the weekend in Houston for my dear friend Jackie's wedding. It was so great to see her and to spend time with our other great friends, Kyle & Shanna. We also spent a night in College Station - celebrating Kyle's 30th birthday. I am so upset that I didn't take a single picture of the entire weekend. Sometimes I wonder if I even have a brain, ha. January seemed like a whirl-wind and as soon as I looked up, it was already February. I had great hopes for February but again God had other plans.

My dear cousin John, *please pray for my cousin Debra and her 3 boys as they adjust to a life without John. I can not even imagine the pain she feels.

In February, we celebrated Allen's 29th birthday. His parents came to town and we had his birthday dinner at the Old San Francisco Steakhouse. Yum! And yes the place where the girl swings above the bar. Joe was entertained! :) We had a great time and dinner was delicious. That Sunday, we also celebrated Ella's baptism. What a blessing. We did not take the camera to either event, which I am very upset about but nothing we can do about it now. Speaking of cameras, I finally got a new charger for the small point-n-shoot camera I carry in my purse - so we are good to go now with photos! AB doesn't like to take our big Canon when we go to restaurants, etc. My brother Casey also celebrated a birthday. Happy Birthday Casey!

Late February, we experienced another unexpected death in our family. On February 21, we lost a very dear family friend, Mr. Darrell. Darrell was essentially family and he will be greatly missed. Darrell had the most flowers at a funeral that I had ever seen. As well, as one of the longest processional, I have ever seen. It was unbelievable! A wonderful tribute to Darrell's life.

Darrell and I at Nancy's New Year Eve birthday dinner, December 2008

Beautiful sunset at Darrell's grave

This is the sweetest & biggest boxer I know, Ike! Darrel & Jan's beloved son. Ike has no idea he is a d-o-g! Look at those sad eyes. Please keep Jan in your prayers also as she adjust to a new life without Darrell.

We have endured so much loss this year and we are only 2 months in. But it is also a reminder of we are not guaranteed anything in this life. We are not guaranteed another day, another chance, another today or another tomorrow. For much that is lost, much is gained. AB and I have been reminded that we only get one chance to make a difference. It has been on my mind lately about what will people say about me after I am gone? What kind of impact will I have on this world? I often tell AB during the hard times (which has been a lot lately) - it won't matter what my credit score was/is or how much money I have in the bank when I die but it WILL matter what impressions I have left on someone's heart or life. It is definitely a struggle, trying to find balance between what the world tells us what we need compared to what our Heavenly Father says we need. I believe He wants us to live a simple life. A life that glorifies Him. Not a life that glorifies our bank account, the mall/stores, celebrities, and/or other people of whom we want to be like. He wants us to compare ourselves to Him, not the things of this world. Ohh, seems so simple but yet we make it so complicated. While this is the only life we get, thankfully we are promised so much more than what is here on earth. More than we can even imagine...for this is just our temporary home.

Here is to praying and hoping March will be a month of great things! And for God's mercy and grace has we find our way in this life...to a much simpler life.

And just a few photos from the last few months...

Silly boys after dinner on the Riverwalk :)

Beautiful Valentine roses

This is the life...my sweet Callie

Our baby boy, Reno